Surrey borough calls for longer term support for Afghan refugees

There are calls for the Government to make a longer-term financial commitment to support Afghan nationals seeking refuge in the UK.

Waverley Borough Council, which has committed to providing assistance for between five and 10 families within the borough, is seeking further clarity from Government on how it can ensure the refugees get the help and support they need.

The council says that beyond immediate housing requirements, a longer-term plan from central Government is needed to ensure that adequate medical care, education and mental health provision to help the refugees rebuild their lives is in place and is fully funded.

The council is also urging the Government to commit to funding support for the refugees for as long as it is needed. Currently, funding has been pledged by Government for 12 months to support councils helping refugees

Councillor Paul Follows, Leader of Waverley Borough Council, said: “All of us have been moved by the desperate situation in Afghanistan and believe that we have a moral duty to provide support for those families. What is frustrating is that we are being hampered by a lack of a clear plan and communication from Government and from the county council about how that support can be put in place.

“We also feel that it is wrong that the burden of funding support should be passed to Council Taxpayers after one year, and we want clarity that the Government will continue to fund the support for as long as it is needed.

“On a separate note, I know that many have expressed concerns that Afghan refugees will be receiving housing and support ahead of British veterans. This is not the case. Waverley has an established, working Armed Forces Covenant which sets out our commitment to support former servicemen and women and I want to reassure our residents that we work very hard to ensure that no veterans are homeless in Waverley and that they are supported to access the help and care that they need.”